How to Smackdown Your Friends in MLB: The Show - A Guide for Glorious Victories (and Friendly Trash Talk)
Ah, the sweet satisfaction of beating a friend at a video game. Especially when that game involves America's pastime, baseball, and pixel-perfect depictions of Mookie Betts' swing. But where do you even begin to dominate your buddies in MLB: The Show? Fear not, my friend, for I am here to turn you from a baseball newbie to a legendary stadium-filler.
Step 1: Befriending the System (and Maybe Some People)
First things first, you gotta have some friends to clobber online. This might sound obvious, but trust me, it's easier to crush a home run with a broken controller than it is to play against an empty stadium. Fire up your console, add some buddies (or send those friend requests you've been stockpiling like baseball cards), and make sure you both have MLB: The Show downloaded. Don't worry, it's not brain surgery, but if it is, there's probably a setting to adjust the difficulty for that too.
Pro Tip: If your friends are on a different console, fret not! The Show is all about that cross-platform play. You can whoop their butts from your PlayStation while they flail around on their fancy new Xbox Series X (or vice versa, no judgment).
Step 2: Choosing Your Weapon (and Maybe Taunting Your Opponent)
Now that you've assembled your team of...well, friends for now, it's time to pick your digital diamond destiny. Here's where things get fun:
- Exhibition Mode: This is your classic "let's throw down" option. Pick your teams, your stadium (pick a hitter's park if you're feeling spicy), and get ready to unleash your inner baseball genius.
- March to October: Got a limited time window for bragging rights? This mode lets you simulate a whole season, with the added benefit of being able to rub your friend's face in it if you win the World Series. Zing!
BASEMENT DWELLER DIFFICULTY ALERT! Don't be that guy who cranks the difficulty all the way up on your first game. You'll be flailing at pitches faster than a fan at a free hot dog stand. Ease yourself in, and remember, a close game with a dramatic walk-off win is way more exciting (and trash-talk worthy) than a blowout.
Step 3: Mastering the Showmanship (and Maybe Some Mind Games)
You've got the friends, you've got the mode, now it's time to actually play the game. Here's where your skills and a little bit of friendly psychological warfare come into play:
- Pitching: Location, location, location! Learn to paint the corners of the strike zone and keep your friend guessing. Plus, a well-placed fastball after a bunch of curveballs is a recipe for a flailing swing and a strikeout you can hear through the controller.
- Hitting: Don't be greedy! Wait for your pitch and unleash your inner power hitter. Unless you're feeling cocky, then by all means, take a mighty hack at the first curveball you see. Just don't cry when you strike out looking.
Remember: A little trash talk goes a long way. Joke about their outfit choice for their created player, remind them of that time they air-mailed a throw to first base online last year. Just keep it light and friendly, or you might find yourself with fewer friends to play with.
Step 4: bask in the Glory (and Maybe Prepare for Rematch Requests)
You've done it! You've dominated the diamond, leaving your friend muttering about questionable strike calls and controller lag. Now's the time to soak in the sweet taste of victory. But be warned, there will likely be rematch requests coming your way. Be prepared to defend your crown, or graciously accept defeat and plan your revenge for next time.
Bonus Tip: If you win by a big margin, consider letting your friend win a close one next time. You know, just to keep things interesting (and maybe avoid a controller being thrown across the room).
There you have it, folks! Your crash course in crushing your friends in MLB: The Show. Now go forth, conquer the digital diamond, and rain down majestic dingers on your unsuspecting opponents. Just remember, a true champion shows good sportsmanship, even after a victory that sweet.
